Ben Bracken

We're very pleased to announce a package of programming tools for the new Roli BLOCKS hardware controller system.

Though we consider this to be an experimental release, we want to share our excitement for these devices now that they have hit the Apple Store. We plan on updating the package over the coming weeks with new features and bug fixes.

If you have BLOCKS hardware and you would like to use it with Max, give the package a go and let us know how you get on!

To download the BLOCKS Package, open the Max app, go to the File menu, and select 'Show Package Manager.'

Though we consider this to be an experimental release, we want to share our excitement for these devices now that they have hit the Apple Store.  We plan on updating the package over the coming weeks with new features and bug fixes.

To download the BLOCKS Package, open the Max app, go to the File menu, and select 'Show Package Manager.'


blocks-package-released

Can we get some info about the package and what else is in the pipeline

I am skeptical of the use of Blocks, but see it as far more useful as a MAX/MSP controller than using the IOS app.

I know it outputs MIDI data, but would prefer to use it as a XY pad sometimes, than be stuck with MPE note data only.

I'd recommend just downloading the BLOCKS Package and taking a look, as it sounds like you will be able to do what you want, getting raw touch data.

I've been toying a bit with my pad block and max MSP. It's a lot of fun, many thanks for the package !

One important problem, though : i can't make it work in Max for Live. Is it not supposed to ?

Hi !
I've been toying a bit with my pad block and max MSP. It's a lot of fun, many thanks for the package !
One important problem, though : i can't make it work in Max for Live. Is it not supposed to ? 

The BLOCKS lightpad uses a version of MPE MIDI to communicate with the host, you can see them as MIDI hosts on your machine.

Due to various MIDI restrictions in Live, they won't work in MFL devices.

Sorry if i wasn't clear. I am not using MIDI at all. I just can't make a connection with the device (usb or bluetooth) when in M4L. It does connect in dit mode but stops when trying to just use the device.

Yes, you are not using MIDI but the BLOCKS lightpad is - that's how the connection is made, through MIDI ports which are not open in MFL devices.

Wow, this is a MAJOR disappointment. I had great expectations, but everything just collapsed.

I don't remember reading anywhere that they won't work with M4L...

Wow, this is a MAJOR disappointment. I had great expectations, but everything just collapsed.
I don't remember reading anywhere that they won't work with M4L...


Will you create patches for the Roli Loop and Live Blocks as well?

Thanks for the great package!
Will you create patches for the Roli Loop and Live Blocks as well?


The limitation that you face in Max For Live is that Ableton discards channel information across the whole stream, and sets everything to channel 1 before it can reach your device. This makes all MPE devices basically incompatible.

The usual workaround for MPE in Live is to set up multiple copies of your device on separate tracks, each configured to receive a separate MIDI channel. (Additional routing is required for the global messages received only on channel 1, though)

If you need to manipulate chords (for an arpeggiator or something), things get more complex. You basically need to receive signals in the max runtime and do your MIDI processing there before passing the stream on into Live.

This is, again, true of any MPE device. It's a limit imposed by Ableton, which they're going to have to sort out.

(all of this being said, if you happen to be a python guru, remote scripts are processed before the destructive filters hit)

The limitation that you face in Max For Live is that Ableton discards channel information across the whole stream, and sets everything to channel 1 before it can reach your device.  This makes all MPE devices basically incompatible.

The usual workaround for MPE in Live is to set up multiple copies of your device on separate tracks, each configured to receive a separate MIDI channel.  (Additional routing is required for the global messages received only on channel 1, though)

If you need to manipulate  chords (for an arpeggiator or something), things get more complex.  You basically need to receive signals in the max runtime and do your MIDI processing there before passing the stream on into Live.

This is, again, true of any MPE device.  It's a limit imposed by Ableton, which they're going to have to sort out.

(all of this being said, if you happen to be a python guru, remote scripts are processed before the destructive filters hit)


Hi , how can i use the lightpad block as a midi keyboard controller in max? and i can change the octave for example?

I found the blocks.notemap object can do what i want, can't wait for the MFL release.

I found the blocks.notemap  object can do what i want, can't wait for the MFL release.


I can get my block to connect to standard Max just fine, but M4L is not picking it up...

I believe I'm on the latest versions of max & ableton, have the latest blocks firmware and version of the blocks Max package.

I can get my block to connect to standard Max just fine, but no dice in M4L (doesn't appear to be picking it up) I can verify it's connected properly (as it works in standard Max, like I said), I've downloaded latest releases of Live, Max, blocks firmware, and blocks Max package.

Does that mean it will work in Ableton through Max for Live?

Do Roli Blocks work without an iPad when connecting to Max? Is it possible to use Roli Blocks and Max without a tablet / phone? Are the values received 7bit (0-127) or is the resolution higher? Is it wireless? Anyone have any comments on latency - the videos on the Roli Blocks website make it look pretty snappy but there's always an iPad/iPhone and I'd be fine connecting via usb to the computer. Been looking for a controller with this 'kaoss-pad' form factor with pressure (and lo-profile) for a while.

@OBSERVER / D.MARTIN : Have you tried building a wrapper that retransmits the touch/pressure data over a MIDI channel into Max? It's not very elegant but gets the job done.

Do Roli Blocks work without an iPad when connecting to Max?  Is it possible to use Roli Blocks and Max without a tablet / phone?  Are the values received 7bit (0-127) or is the resolution higher?  Is it wireless? Anyone have any comments on latency - the videos on the Roli Blocks website make it look pretty snappy but there's always an iPad/iPhone and I'd be fine connecting via usb to the computer.  Been looking for a controller with this 'kaoss-pad' form factor with pressure (and lo-profile) for a while.

@OBSERVER / D.MARTIN : Have you tried building a wrapper that retransmits the touch/pressure data over a MIDI channel into Max?  It's not very elegant but gets the job done.

BLOCKS Package released